Colts win first game under Matt Johnson

Published: Friday, September 20, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 1:07 a.m.

Matt Johnson’s dimples showed themselves as the game ball rested in one of his arms while the other arm embraced his family.

The man that will lead North Marion into a new era of football recorded his first win as a head coach Friday night, a 27-14 win over new district opponent Suwannee.

That maiden victory came in Johnson's second game, and a week after his Colts took a beating on the road at the hands of state power Jacksonville Bolles

“I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until tonight,” Johnson said. “Just the comfort of being (home) and have some more time before the game really made a difference.”

In a game that saw more than its share of penalties – Suwannee 18 (four unsportsmanlike), North Marion eight – the Colts used quick scoring strikes and the kicking game to improve to 3-1, 1-0 in district play.

North Marion didn’t waste any time getting started. On their first play from scrimmage Colt quarterback Caleb Seiler connected on a 67-yard pass play for a touchdown to Jack Reed.

The Bulldogs answered in the second quarter by converting a critical 4th-and-18. Two plays later Colts defensive back Shannon Montgomery was flagged for pass interference which set the Bulldogs up at Colts' 10. Denzel Washington scored from eight yards out to tie it.

Cameron Mackey returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, his second kick return TD in as many games -- the speedy sophomore brought one back 82 yards last week in Jacksonville.

“Last week at Bolles it was the same way; I had to break like six tackles,” Mackey said.

The difference Friday night was that Mackey got a huge block from Javontres Autry just past midfield. Mackey beat the last remaining Bulldog defenders to the edge and outran them to the end zone for a 14-7 Colts lead.

Steven Anderson tied the game at 14 for Suwannee on a QB keeper, then North Marion kicker David Hatcher booted a 40-yard field goal just before the half giving the Colts a 17-14 lead at the break.

The second half was a heavy dose of Colt running back Derrick Harmon and countless Suwannee penalties. Harmon had 69 of his 75 total rush yards after the intermission.

During the Colts' second possession of the second half, Suwannee put itself in a hole with a pass interference call.

With North Marionon Suwannee’s 33, the Bulldogs were slapped with three consecutive unsportsmanlike penalties for arguing with the referees. The ball was placed inside the Bulldog 5, then Seiler hit Autry on a 3-yard pass play for a touchdown.

Hatcher showed off his leg again later in the quarter booting a 43-yarder to cap the North Marion scoring.

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